Understanding the social dynamics of exotic pet ownership in Brazil: insights from an online survey on legal and illegal trade

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5380/avs.v31i2.101850

Keywords:

Conservation, responsible pet ownership, traffic, wildlife.

Abstract

Illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry with profound ecological and social consequences. Recognizing that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to address this issue, this study aimed to understand the social dynamics of exotic pet consumption in Brazil, focusing on consumer preferences, motivations, and education. A cross-sectional anonymous online survey collected 1,706 responses. Results showed that 88.3% of respondents knew someone who owns or has owned an exotic pet, while 48.9% had owned or currently own one. Moreover, 63.6% expressed interest in owning an exotic pet. Men, individuals aged 30–49, and respondents with higher education were more likely to own or desire exotic pets, both legally and illegally. Among those who owned illegal pets, most reported that the animal died or was surrendered, while about 10% were released or escaped. The price gap between legal and illegal pets significantly influenced acquisition decisions: although 40% chose legal pets despite higher costs, when the gap reached tenfold, preferences split evenly. Only about 50% correctly answered questions about wildlife legislation, reflecting limited legal awareness and the cultural normalization of wildlife trade in Brazil. Findings indicate that the scarcity of affordable legal pets and the high compliance costs for breeders drive consumers toward illegal markets, while low reporting rates hinder enforcement. Strengthening environmental education, promoting legal awareness, and reducing the economic gap between legal and illegal markets may foster responsible ownership and support multidisciplinary strategies to mitigate domestic illegal wildlife trade.

Author Biographies

Jessica Jasinski, Fauna Department, Water and Land Institute

Possui graduação em Ciências Biológicas (2014). Pós-graduação em Conservação da Natureza e Educação Ambiental (2016) pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná - PUCPR. Bióloga do Setor de Fauna do Instituto Água e Terra, responsável técnica pelas análises de licenciamentos ambientais de empreendimentos que fazem uso e manejo de fauna nativa ou exótica em condição ex situ. Recebimento, triagem, avaliação comportamental dos espécimes, identificação de espécies e destinação adequada de animais silvestres nativos e exóticos. Análise de programas ambientais vinculados ao licenciamento ambiental (PBA e PCA, com seus respectivos planos de trabalho) para emissão de autorização ambiental para os estudos de fauna (levantamento, monitoramento e resgate). Análise de Termos de Guarda e Depósito de animais silvestres - TGAS/TDAS. Atendimento ao Sistema de Controle e Monitoramento da Atividade de Criação Amadora de Pássaros - SISPASS e Sistema Nacional de Gestão de Fauna Silvestre - SISFAUNA. Participação na elaboração e análises de legislações ambientais de fauna. Suporte às ações de fiscalização ambiental; Atendimento aos escritórios regionais do IAT, BPAmb-Força Verde e Secretarias Municipais de Meio Ambiente. Análise de áreas para soltura de animais silvestres (Programa Voo Livre). Análise de estudos ambientais vinculados ao licenciamento ambiental (EIA, RAP, RAS, e outros afins), integrando as equipes de avaliação estabelecidas mediante Portarias institucionais. Informações técnicas às Promotorias e Juizados acerca da fiscalização, apreensão e destinação de animais silvestres apreendidos. Atendimento ao público em geral.

Elaine Mayumi Ueno Gil, Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Parana (UFPR)

Possui graduação em Medicina Veterinária pela Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (2009), residência médico-veterinária com ênfase em Diagnóstico por Imagem pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina (2012), mestrado e doutorado em Ciências Veterinárias pela Universidade Federal do Paraná (2015 e 2020 respectivamente). Atualmente é colaboradora no setor de imagem do Garra Hospital Veterinário e no Bionostic Centro de Diagnóstico Veterinário. Tem experiência na área de Medicina Veterinária, com ênfase em Diagnóstico por Imagem, atuando principalmente em radiologia e ultrassonografia.

Eloisa Muehlbauer, Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Parana (UFPR)

Possui graduação em Medicina Veterinária pela Universidade Federal do Paraná - Setor Palotina (2014). Foi residente em Anestesiologia Veterinária no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Paraná - Setor de Ciências Agrárias Curitiba (2014 - 2015). É mestre e doutora em Ciências Veterinárias pelo programa de pós graduação em Ciências Veterinárias da Universidade Federal do Paraná - Setor de ciências Agrárias Curitiba. Tem experiência na área de Medicina Veterinária, com ênfase em Anestesiologia, terapia intensiva e medicina de urgência e emergência. Atualmente é preceptora em Anestesiologia na Clinica Veterinária Escola da Universidade Positivo.

Rogerio Ribas Lange, Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Parana (UFPR)

Graduado em Medicina Veterinária pela Universidade Federal do Paraná (1978), Mestre em Zoologia pela Universidade Federal do Paraná, (1998) - Orientador Prof. Dr. Emygdio Leite de Araújo Monteiro-Filho: Doutor em Ciências Veterinárias pela Universidade Federal do Paraná, (2012) - Orientador Prof. PhD Fabiano Montiani-Ferreira. Professor da Universidade Federal do Paraná no Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, responsável pelas disciplinas, na graduação, Medicina Zoológica, Odontologia Veterinária e Deontologia Veterinária; no Curso de Pós-Graduação - Residência em Medicina Veterinária HV/UFPR/MEC, Medicina Zoológica, Odontologia Veterinária, Ética e Legislação em Medicina Veterinária e no uso de Animais; no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias - UFPR, Zoologia para veterinários e Medicina zoológica. Responsável pelos Laboratórios do Hospital Veterinário da UFPR: Medicina Zoológica e Odontologia Veterinária. Diretor do Hospital Veterinário da UFPR (2005/2008 e 2016/2017). Primeiro Coordenador do Programa de Residência em Medicina Veterinária da UFPR, Presidente da Comissão Nacional de Animais Selvagens do CFMV (2013/2014), Membro da Comissão Estadual de Animais Selvagens do CRMV-PR (2015/2017), Presidente de Honra da Associação Paranaense de Medicina de Animais Selvagens - Grupo Fowler. Experiência em Clínica Médica e Cirúrgica de Animais Selvagens (Medicina Zoológica) e Odontologia Veterinária. Tutor do Programa de Residência em Medicina Veterinária UFPR, nas especialidades: Medicina Zoológica e Odontologia Veterinária. Orientador no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias - UFPR. Experiência em Medicina Zoológica com ênfase em manejo de animais selvagens em cativeiro, clínica e cirurgia; em Odontologia Veterinária com ênfase em cães, gatos, roedores e animais selvagens.

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Saldanha, A., Jasinski, J., Gil, E. M. U., Muehlbauer, E., & Lange, R. R. (2026). Understanding the social dynamics of exotic pet ownership in Brazil: insights from an online survey on legal and illegal trade. Archives of Veterinary Science, 31(2). https://doi.org/10.5380/avs.v31i2.101850

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2026): Three Decades of Science: The Vanguard of Archives of Veterinary Science

Section

Zoo and Wildlife Medicine

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